Meir Soloveichik The Haggadah—A Political Classic Ep. 2: Children and Continuity
Apr 5, 2020
Explore the unique focus of the Haggadah on teaching and its implications for Jewish identity. Discover why Moses isn’t mentioned in the Exodus story and how this honors him as a teacher. Contrast modern society's obsession with youth against the values of Judaism that emphasize legacy and continuity. Delve into the rich tapestry of intergenerational education, where the wisdom of aging teachers bonds with eager young minds. This enlightening discussion reveals the art of preserving culture through the generations.
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Lichtenstein's Seder Focus
- Rabbi Aaron Lichtenstein focused his Pesach Seder remarks on his grandchildren rather than scholarly guests.
- Meir Soloveichik uses this story to show how elders prioritize teaching children at the Seder.
Culture Before Polity
- Culture precedes politics: a free society must first transmit its founding story and values to the next generation.
- Rabbi Meir Soloveichik argues the Seder focuses on children because cultural continuity sustains political freedom.
Teaching Is The Message
- The medium matters: teaching at the Seder embodies Judaism's core value of transmission (mesorah).
- By teaching children we show that posterity, not physical preservation, is our answer to mortality.
